Jumalon and Saaskilahti to battle for $10,000,000
August 5, 2026

American Lucas Joomalon and Finn Lauri Saaskilahti have advanced to the heads-up of the WSOP Main Event 2026. The winner will take home $10,000,000 and the champion's bracelet. Joomalon ended the day with a stack of 328 million chips (109 BB) against Saaskilahti's 225 million (75 BB).
The day began with the traditional "Shuffle Up and Deal" call, which was entrusted to NBA star Draymond Green. He ironically reminded the title contenders that even if they won, most of them would still be 16 bracelets short of catching up to his friend Phil Hellmuth.
In the stands of the Horseshoe hall, fan wars unfolded. The loudest support went to Greg Mueller. Chants of "We're not leaving" echoed from supporters in red T-shirts and "Shadow" caps.
Final table payouts:
1. $10,000,000
2. $6,000,000
3. Greg Mueller — $3,750,000
4. Michael Gagliano — $2,750,000
5. Han Feng — $2,250,000
6. Rami Hammoud — $1,750,000
7. Jamie Shevel — $1,500,000
8. Mario Boos — $1,250,000
9. Evagoras Evagorou — $1,000,000
The heads-up begins on August 6 at 04:00 Moscow time. Saaskilahti could become the first WSOP Main Event champion from Finland, while a win by Lucas Joomalon would give the world the youngest champion in poker history.
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The day began with the traditional "Shuffle Up and Deal" call, which was entrusted to NBA star Draymond Green. He ironically reminded the title contenders that even if they won, most of them would still be 16 bracelets short of catching up to his friend Phil Hellmuth.
In the stands of the Horseshoe hall, fan wars unfolded. The loudest support went to Greg Mueller. Chants of "We're not leaving" echoed from supporters in red T-shirts and "Shadow" caps.
Final table payouts:
1. $10,000,000
2. $6,000,000
3. Greg Mueller — $3,750,000
4. Michael Gagliano — $2,750,000
5. Han Feng — $2,250,000
6. Rami Hammoud — $1,750,000
7. Jamie Shevel — $1,500,000
8. Mario Boos — $1,250,000
9. Evagoras Evagorou — $1,000,000
The heads-up begins on August 6 at 04:00 Moscow time. Saaskilahti could become the first WSOP Main Event champion from Finland, while a win by Lucas Joomalon would give the world the youngest champion in poker history.
📰 Subscribe to Pokerflow
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